For the dedicated pet parent, baking homemade biscuits is a labor of love, but the result often lacks the visual flair of store-bought gourmet cookies. When “Bella’s” owner wanted to celebrate her adoption anniversary, she baked a batch of peanut butter bones, only to find them looking a bit plain next to the party decorations.
She wanted that professional “bakery look” without using sugar-laden human frosting that could upset Bella’s stomach.
This search for safe, dog-friendly alternatives led to the curation of these three distinct icing recipes: a hardening icing for detailed designs, a creamy yogurt-based frosting, and a savory peanut butter glaze. Now, any dog owner can turn a simple biscuit into a celebration-worthy reward.
A Quick Guide to Safe Treat Ingredients
Before whipping up a batch of frosting, it is vital to understand which ingredients provide the right consistency while remaining safe for canine consumption.
1. The “Paws-itively Perfect” Hardening Icing
Best for: Detailed piping and cookies that need to be stacked.
This recipe is the closest canine equivalent to “royal icing.” It dries hard, making it perfect for intricate designs, writing names on biscuits, or glazing a treat that you intend to gift to a friend. It relies on starch and water to create a paste that solidifies as the water evaporates.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Cornstarch (or Tapioca Starch)
- 2 Teaspoons Water (add slowly)
- 1 Teaspoon Honey (optional, for shine and binding)
- Optional: Natural food coloring (Turmeric, Beet Powder, or Spirulina)
Instructions
- Place the cornstarch in a small mixing bowl.
- Add the honey (if using) and 1 teaspoon of water. Whisk vigorously.
- Slowly add the second teaspoon of water while whisking until you reach a glue-like consistency. If it is too runny, add a pinch more starch; if too thick, add a drop of water.
- Divide into separate small bowls if using natural food coloring.
- Transfer to a piping bag or a plastic sandwich bag with the corner snipped off.
- Decorate the treats and let them sit at room temperature for at least 3-4 hours (or overnight) to harden completely.
Estimated Calorie Breakdown
Batch Total (Approximate)
| Ingredient | Estimated Calories (Full Batch) |
| Cornstarch (2 Tbsp) | ~60 kcal |
| Honey (1 Tsp) | ~20 kcal |
| Water | 0 kcal |
| TOTAL (Full Batch) | ~80 kcal |
Per Treat Summary
Assumes this batch decorates ~10 medium biscuits.
| Nutrient | Amount (per treat) | Notes |
| Calories | ~8 kcal | Low calorie, strictly for decoration. |
Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip: If you do not have a piping bag, use a clean medicine syringe (without the needle) to draw precise lines or write your dog’s name on the biscuit.
2. The “Creamy Dreamy” Yogurt Frosting
Best for: Dipping treats or a soft, cupcake-style topping.
This icing remains soft and creamy, similar to a cream cheese frosting. It is delicious and packed with probiotics, but because it contains dairy, the treats must be kept cool. This is the ideal choice for “pup-cakes” or birthday celebrations where the treat will be eaten immediately.
Ingredients
- 1/2 Cup Plain Greek Yogurt (Unsweetened, Xylitol-Free)
- 1/2 Cup Tapioca Starch (or Cornstarch) for thickening
- 1 Teaspoon Coconut Oil (melted)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk the yogurt and melted coconut oil until smooth.
- Gradually sift in the starch one tablespoon at a time, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Continue adding starch until the mixture holds its shape (stiff peaks).
- Apply to the dog treats using a spatula for a rustic look or a piping bag for swirls.
- Refrigerate the iced treats immediately to help the frosting set.
Estimated Calorie Breakdown
Batch Total (Approximate)
| Ingredient | Estimated Calories (Full Batch) |
| Greek Yogurt (1/2 Cup) | ~65 kcal |
| Tapioca Starch (1/2 Cup) | ~220 kcal |
| Coconut Oil (1 Tsp) | ~40 kcal |
| TOTAL (Full Batch) | ~325 kcal |
Per Treat Summary
Assumes this batch frosts ~12 pup-cakes or large cookies.
| Nutrient | Amount (per treat) | Notes |
| Calories | ~27 kcal | A richer topping; account for these calories in the daily diet. |
Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip: For a “sprinkles” effect, grate a distinctively colored dog biscuit or a small amount of carrot over the wet yogurt frosting before it sets in the fridge.
3. The “Nutty Butter” Glaze
Best for: Flavor enhancement and drizzle patterns.
Most dogs love peanut butter above all else. This glaze is less about intricate decoration and more about adding a massive flavor boost to a plain biscuit. It creates a smooth, shiny finish that hardens slightly when chilled due to the coconut oil.
Ingredients
- 2 Tablespoons Natural Peanut Butter (Creamy, Unsalted, NO Xylitol)
- 1 Teaspoon Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Place the peanut butter and coconut oil in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Microwave on high for 15-20 seconds.
- Stir until the mixture is completely combined and liquid.
- Allow it to cool for 1-2 minutes so it thickens slightly but is still pourable.
- Drizzle over the treats using a spoon or dip half the biscuit into the mixture.
- Place the treats on a sheet of parchment paper and freeze for 10 minutes to set the glaze.
Estimated Calorie Breakdown
Batch Total (Approximate)
| Ingredient | Estimated Calories (Full Batch) |
| Peanut Butter (2 Tbsp) | ~190 kcal |
| Coconut Oil (1 Tsp) | ~40 kcal |
| TOTAL (Full Batch) | ~230 kcal |
Per Treat Summary
Assumes this batch glazes ~15 small treats.
| Nutrient | Amount (per treat) | Notes |
| Calories | ~15 kcal | High fat content; feed in moderation. |
Recipe-Specific Fun-Tip: Place the biscuits on a wire cooling rack over a baking sheet before drizzling. This creates clean lines and prevents the treat from sitting in a pool of excess glaze.
How to Store Your Homemade Treats
Because these icings use different ingredients than standard dry biscuits, storage is key to preventing spoilage.
- Hardening Icing (Recipe 1): Once fully dried (after 12-24 hours), these can usually be stored in an airtight container at room temperature for 3-4 days. However, if humidity is high, the icing may soften.
- Yogurt Frosting (Recipe 2): Treats topped with this mixture must be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze them in a single layer.
- Peanut Butter Glaze (Recipe 3): These are best stored in the refrigerator to keep the glaze firm and prevent melting, especially in warmer climates. They will last up to one week in the fridge.
